Region: Priorat, Spain

Vintage: 2019

Composition: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cariñena, Garnacha Tinta, Monastrell, & Syrah

History: Christopher Cannan discovered the potential of Priorat in 1983 when he was given a bottle of Priorat from the 1974 vintage from the Scala Dei winery. The wine was excellent and an excellent value at $4.00 a bottle! Shortly after, Christopher met Manuel Peyra, owner of Scala Dei, and began exporting these delicious wines to several countries. Later, in 1988, Christopher met Álvaro Palacios at the New York Wine Experience, informing Palacios of his plans, where he enthusiastically explained the project of making world-class wines from old Priorat vineyards. A couple of years later, Christopher decided to show the wine to Robert Parker at one of his regular tastings. Parker didn’t wait to write an article to show his enthusiasm. Still, after he published his next issue, “The Wine Advocate,” with exceptionally high evaluation, the trade finally realized what was happening in this remote corner of Catalonia. The wines have since been exported to numerous North America and Asia countries. Priorat has not looked back, but it has more than 2,000 hectares in production today, and 96 wineries worldwide sell their wines.

Tasting Notes:

“It’s ripe, reflecting a warm and dry Priorat vintage, and it has power but also balance and freshness. It has notes of wet slate, graphite, and earth, along with a toasted touch and fine, slightly dusty tannins.” – Robert Parker